Hallo Bay Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park

This summer my brother Ethan asked us if we wanted to go "view the Grizzlies" in Katmai National Park, Alaska. You make your way to Homer, AK and then catch a flight to Hallo Bay. Our pilot landed right on the beach. We saw a bear first thing when we got off the plane. Crazy!!! Having grown up much of my life in Alaska we were always nervous when the bears came around our habitats. Bears often made me feel afraid and I never thought I would seek them out. After extensive research on Jon's part we finally decided to go with Stephen Stringham a biologist who has done extensive research on the grizzlies for the last 35 years. He raised 3 grizzlies from cubs and has written 4 books about bears. He was an amazing guide and has so much knowledge to share in regard to bear behaviors. The picture where the bear has her face down to the ground was so amazing. She chomped on grass and would then look at us, chomp again and then look at us. Stephen said that was her way of letting us know not to worry. We could hear her tearing the grass off and then chewing it. If she were to stomp her paw then we would need to be wary. She came within 8 feet from us. She stood up and checked out some other bears and then she was off. Stephen said that the reason the Katmai bears are so gentle is because they have not associated humans with food. People have been coming to view them daily since 1972. It was an amazing experience and I now have a different feeling of respect for bears. I would highly recommend the experience. The pictures can't do it justice.